When it comes to vitamins and minerals, there is a major distinction between natural and synthetic supplements. Natural vitamins are derived from plants, while synthetic vitamins are artificially manufactured in a laboratory or industrial process. Synthetic vitamins are not as easily recognized by the body, making it more difficult for it to absorb and use them effectively. Scientists may say that synthetic supplements are identical to the vitamins and minerals found in foods, but this is not true.
Your body can tell the difference, even if a microscope can't.Synthetic supplements contain few or no natural ingredients. Some may claim that they contain 10% natural vitamins, but the rest of the components come from a laboratory. The “ingredients” in synthetic supplements are chemicals that are produced in a laboratory. They may look, feel, and taste natural, but your body probably won't absorb synthetic supplements the way your body would absorb natural supplements. On the other hand, natural forms of folate can also be produced through synthetic processes.
The difference is that they are chemically identical to the natural form found in the body and in food. In fact, to obtain high concentrations of folate in these higher forms, it must be synthesized. This is the case for many nutrients. Folic acid, on the other hand, is not a natural form and should be avoided. Natural vitamin supplements are created after obtaining vitamins and minerals directly from plants.
The main difference between synthetic and natural vitamins is in their production process. Although natural vitamins can be sterilized in the laboratory, they are not produced or processed in the laboratory. Therefore, natural vitamin supplements allow you to be closer to nature without consuming the real sources of vitamins. Synthetic vitamins are strategic and offer you more specific and higher-quality support than what you can get from food. Not only should you be careful with the FORMS of vitamins when considering buying natural or synthetic vitamins; if you're intolerant or allergic to certain nutrients, consuming synthetic supplements that contain them can cause health problems. Seeking Health's omega-3 supplements are non-synthetic and come from high-quality seafood sources.
Scientists prepare these synthetic vitamin supplements using the molecular structures of the original vitamins. Other amino acids and vitamin-like compounds are also synthesized, such as trimethylglycine (TMG) and acetyl-L-carnitine. Studies show that natural vitamin E is absorbed twice as efficiently as synthetic vitamin E. This could explain why the evidence in favor of vitamin E supplementation for health is so varied: some studies have found that vitamin E supplements in higher doses can be harmful. You've likely seen supplements on the market that are advertised as natural or organic multivitamins. According to doctors, synthetic vitamin supplements are similar to natural minerals and vitamins in foods. The table below will give you a clearer idea of the difference between synthetic and natural vitamins.
